Growing up Asian Canadian, I have the privilege of celebrating New Year twice. Discover six ways you can benefit from celebrating the Lunar New Year.
"Kung Hei Fat Choy" is the Cantonese phrase my mom taught me to say for Chinese New Year when I was young.
The syllables "Kung Hei" means congratulations and "Fat Choi" translates to becoming prosperous. It is then followed with additional Cantonese phrases of well wishes for good health, wealth or good fortune that were way beyond my childhood understanding.
As a Hong Kong Chinese immigrant growing up in Canada, I would only hear these celebratory phrases in Chinatown for this Asian holiday (which is actually a bigger deal than Christmas for the Chinese).
I didn't know much about the Lunar New Year traditions growing up, except that I had to say "Kung Hei Fat Choy" to every Asian we bumped into during this time. What puzzled me more was how all the aunties and uncles passed me red envelopes of money in return for the greeting. Not that I was complaining.
As an immigrant child doing my best to become Canadian, I didn't want to learn about my Chinese traditions and heritage then. It was just something that my parents forced me to do.
Once I moved back to Hong Kong as an adult, I discovered the true scope and importance of the Lunar New Year holiday traditions. I fell in love with these traditions as I learned more about the meaning behind the holidays and how they are celebrated.
This year the Lunar New Year falls on Feb 10 (the day of this post) and this year is the most auspicious year of the Dragon. The year of the strong and noble dragon is expected to bring opportunities and success for all.
Here is a great infographic from the article "All You Need to Know About Dragons" from the South China Morning Post that shows the length of the celebration activities.
Lunar New Year is deep with traditions that tie into ancestry, heritage and family connections. The open expression of gratitude and well wishes exchanged with joy is my favourite part of this festive time.
Last year I shared "Lunar New Year Traditions That We Should Carry Out All Year". This year, I invite you to explore the Lunar New Year with six reasons why participating in the celebration can benefit you.
1. Another Chance for Renewal and a Fresh Start
Celebrating both the calendar New Year and the Lunar New Year gives you a second chance at a fresh start to your year.
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and is seen as an opportunity for a fresh start. The celebrations symbolize leaving behind the old and embracing new beginnings, fostering a positive mindset and a sense of optimism.
Just as with the calendar New Year, it is a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and make resolutions. So if you have already forgotten about your Jan 1 New Year's resolutions, you have a second chance to revisit and recommit during the Lunar New Year.
2. Enjoying More Culinary Delights
There is so much to learn and enjoy about a culture and its traditions through holiday foods.
Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture in general, but during the Lunar New Year celebrations, the focus on amazing food is deliciously amplified. The preparation and sharing of these special foods strengthen family bonds and create memorable culinary experiences.
Traditional dishes are prepared, often with symbolic meanings attached to them. For example, dumplings are believed to bring wealth and good fortune, while fish symbolize abundance and prosperity.
Broaden your taste pallet and expand your culinary skills by learning and preparing a traditional Lunar New Year dish. Prepare it together with your friends and family and benefit from a new connecting experience.
3. Broaden Cultural Education:
The Lunar New Year is a wonderful occasion to explore and learn about the diverse cultural heritage of Asian communities.
By participating in Lunar New Year celebrations, you can gain valuable insight into the fascinating Chinese culture, while also promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
For example, you can learn about the meaning behind Chinese zodiac animals, as well as traditional customs and legends. Learn about your birth year and about how the Year of the Dragon can bring you more luck.
You can start with my favourite TEDEd video that shares the myth behind the Chinese Zodiac.
4. Enhanced Community Spirit
The Lunar New Year celebrations play a significant role in bringing communities together and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
During the Lunar New Year, people engage in various communal activities such as parades, temple visits, and cultural performances. These shared experiences create a strong community spirit and promote a sense of togetherness among neighbours, friends, and even strangers.
It's also the most beautiful time to visit Chinatown and Asian communities which are festively decorated for the Lunar New Year.
5. Strengthening Business and Social Connections
The Lunar New Year presents opportunities for networking and strengthening business relationships.
Many companies and organizations hold festive events and gatherings during this time, where people can connect, exchange greetings, and extend well wishes for the upcoming year. These interactions help solidify professional connections and foster a supportive business environment.
Working in Hong Kong I experienced many elaborate Lunar New Year celebrations with various companies. The entire company excitedly anticipated the annual events. Some companies value the Lunar New Year employee bonding events so much that they would close an entire chain of shops early so that all staff can participate.
The company's values of celebrating the Lunar New Year with its staff have mutual benefits of creating company loyalty and positive morale.
6. Educational Significance
Lunar New Year celebrations provide valuable educational experiences for children and adults.
With so many activities connected to Lunar New Year traditions, it's a rich opportunity to learn about Chinese cultural heritage, traditions, and values.
Try participating in activities such as making crafts, learning traditional dances, and listening to stories.
I wish I had been more open to participating in Lunar New Year activities as a child as it would have helped me develop a sense of pride in my cultural identity. If more cultures learn and share in these experiences, it can help promote cultural tolerance and acceptance of diverse cultures.
We All Benefit From Diversity and Cultural Understanding
Celebrating the Lunar New Year offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from cultural preservation and education to fostering family bonds, community engagement, and economic stimulation.
It is a time of joy, renewal, and connection that brings people together, regardless of their cultural background.
Each culture has rich holiday traditions that are meaningful and interesting to learn about.
Cultural holidays and celebrations express the best of that culture. We all connect around themes of family and wishing each other goodwill.
Perhaps if we can see the good in each culture, there would be more acceptance and understanding for a more peaceful world.
From my family to you and yours, I sincerely wish that the year of the Dragon be roaring with good health, abundant with wealth and hearts full of joy!
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I wish you good health, much happiness and enough wealth that you can enjoy all of the wonderful treats available during this holiday! Cheers, Andrea